I've just started The Norman Conquest by Marc Morris. It'll be the second time I've read this fabulous book. Before that I read Horror In The East by Laurence Rees. It's a gripping account of atrocities committed by the Japanese during WW2. So, what are you guys reading at the moment? (Magazines don't count, Elfs)
Must admit I'm not much of a book reader these days, though I do enjoy listening to audio-novels in the car when I'm driving and there is nothing decent on the radio. The last actual paper book I read was If This Is A Man / The Truce by Primo Levi (RIP). Not an easy read because of the content, but his writing style was strikingly direct and unassuming. The last Audio book I've been listening to was The Fog (unabridged) by James Herbert. Somewhat unusual horror. (not to be confused with The Fog by Stephen King. Completely different story).
A Ruth Rendell. Not recommended bedtime reading, her stories are gruesome. The trouble is I've read so many of hers I know how this one will pan out. A psychotic serial killer, a dense copper and a young man on the spectrum. Can you guess?
I've got everything by James Herbert - a real master of the craft. My favourite novelist of all is Ken Follett. I've been lucky enough to meet Ken on a few occasions, meaning many of my books are personally signed.
National Theatre streaming plays on it's YouTube Channel https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/theatre-news/how-watch-national-theatre-shows-17998905
Roald Dahl is an excellent children’s author, although a little out of fashion these days with the left wing intelligentsia. Antony Beever is a magnificent writer if you are interested in WW2. I have read all of his books. Many moons ago I took an A level in English literature, and greatly enjoyed the works of George Orwell. Masterpieces like Animal Farm and the Road to Wigan Pier have aged very well. His undoubted masterpiece however is Down and Out in Paris & London. The best book about genuine poverty you are ever likely to read. The works of Ian Fleming are also superb. I have four of his original paperbacks somewhere...they must be worth a few quid these days.
Talking of 'Children's Authors' one of the best I remember reading when I was a youngster was John Christopher. I think today his science fiction works would be described as for older children/teenagers. In particular I enjoyed reading his 'Tripods Trilogy' which I borrowed from the local library during the late 1970's; The White Mountains The City of Gold and Lead The Pool of Fire In the early 1980's the BBC adapted the first two books into a TV series (The Tripods). The adaptation was an interesting effort, but was not as entertaining or intriguing as the written novels. Some time later, Christopher added a 4th book to the Trilogy (a prequel). I still enjoy listening to these books as Audio Novels.
My favourite author is Charles Bukowski. I would suggest anything by him. - Pulp - Women - Post Office - Factotum - Hollywood In terms of modern literature, you cannot get any better. Part of me (most of) has modelled myself on Buk. You can read my other all time favourite, "Catcher in the Rye." Without fail, I read it once a year. Hell, I can quote it. If you've ever seen Fahrenheit 451, that'll be my book.
Any Tom Sharpe book is worth a read, the two about South African police are very very funny please log in to view this image
I've never read a Tom Sharpe book, though they have been recommended to me by several people. I thought the TV adaptation of Porterhouse Blue starring David Jason & Iain Richardson was excellent. Got it on DVD and will watch it again soon.
I've got few copies of Whizzer and Chips, a few copies of Buster, and a few copies of Buster AND Whizzer and Chips. Still great to look through from time to time.